This is also called “Laetare” Sunday, a Latin word meaning “rejoice”, as in the Entrance Antiphon, a joyous celebration. Let us look over the readings and ponder what it is that is being celebrated.
The First Reading, from Joshua, is about the Israelites celebrating their first Passover in the Promised Land, as promised by God. They were eating the produce of the land, no longer Manna, which was the food God had provided to them while they were in the desert. This was a new beginning, the disgrace of being slaves in Egypt was removed.
In the Second Reading (2 Corinthians 5:17-21), Paul teaches that anyone in Christ is a new creation. The old has passed away, all things are made new, we are becoming new creations, in a continuous process of becoming aware and conversion. A word I have heard for this awareness, or coming to your senses, is “mikowe”; and continuing to conversion is “andjibimadisiwin” – both to be joyously celebrated. God reconciled us to himself through Christ, and has given us the ministry of reconciliation, to be ambassadors for Christ.
The Responsorial Psalm (Psalm 34) is a psalm of joyously praising the goodness of the Lord always. “Taste and see that the Lord is good” for he hears and saves those in need. Seek him and be filled with joy and never be ashamed.
In the Gospel of Luke (15:1-3, 11-32), Jesus was speaking to the Pharisees and scribes, who were complaining that he welcomed sinners and ate with them. They were unaware of their own dark side. Jesus wanted to teach them and to call them to self-knowledge and conversion by telling the parable of the prodigal son. The younger son is an obvious sinner who came to his senses, returned home to say that he was “not worthy to be called your son”. But he was greeted with open arms, a kiss, great joy and celebration.
The older son was hardworking and righteous. His behaviour of feeling superior was just like the Pharisees and scribes. When his father came out to him to invite him in, he refused to celebrate. He resisted in anger and hurt, had no love for his brother, called him “this son yours” to his father. He had the freedom to accept or reject.
This parable highlights God’s abundant and endless mercy and forgiveness and unconditional love for everyone, even the Pharisees and scribes. He eagerly waits for us to return to Him, to reconcile with Him and each other. What great joy there is in forgiveness.
Let us renew ourselves, come to our senses and be humble, smaller, less defensive, and accept the loving invitation of God.
Rosella Kinoshameg DOS